Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heartworm prevention risks from drug resistance in dogs and cats
By Prichard, Roger K·Published in International journal for parasitology·2021·Institute of Parasitology, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Macrocyclic lactone resistance in Dirofilaria immitis: risks for prevention of heartworm disease.
Plain-English summary
Heartworm disease, caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, can be deadly for dogs and cats and is spread by mosquitoes. Preventing this disease usually involves medications known as macrocyclic lactones, like ivermectin and moxidectin, which are given monthly. However, there are growing concerns about resistance to these medications, meaning they might not work as well as they used to. It's important for pet owners to understand that if their pet gets heartworm despite being on preventive medication, it might not always mean the drug is ineffective; it could be due to not using it consistently. Researchers are looking for better ways to test for resistance and are exploring new treatments to keep pets safe from heartworm disease.
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Abstract
Heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, can be lethal in dogs and cats. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, and occurs in many parts of the world. Prevention relies on macrocyclic lactones. Macrocyclic lactones used are ivermectin, selamectin, abamectin, eprinomectin, milbemycin oxime and moxidectin, administered at 30-day intervals during the transmission season. Some moxidectin formulations are long-acting injectables. In the USA, preventives are recommended throughout the year. Loss of efficacy of macrocyclic lactone preventives was reported in 2005 and proof of resistance in the USA was published a decade later. Understanding factors which promote resistance is important to maintain control. Factors important for resistance development are discussed. Better, inexpensive tests to confirm resistance are needed. Infection in animals under chemoprophylaxis per se does not imply resistance because lack of compliance in preventive use could be the reason. In vivo confirmation of resistance is expensive, slow and ethically questionable. A microfilariae suppression test can be a surrogate test, but requires a high dose of a macrocyclic lactone and repeated blood microfilaria counts 2-4 weeks later. DNA single nucleotide polymorphism markers have been successfully used. However, the specific genetic changes which cause resistance are unknown. Surveys to map and follow the extent of resistance are needed. Long acting mosquito repellants and insecticides can play a useful role. High dose rate formulations of moxidectin, coupled with mosquito biting mitigation may reduce transmission of resistant genotypes. Doxycycline, daily for 28 days, as anti-Wolbachia treatment, can reduce transmission and remove adult parasites. However, new classes of heartworm preventives are needed. While any preventive strategy must be highly effective, registration requirements for 100% efficacy may hinder development of useful new classes of preventives. Continued reliance on macrocyclic lactone preventives, when they do not work against resistant genotypes, will spread resistance, and allow for more disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34717929/